IN his book ‘On Writing’, renowned author Stephen King urges the omission of unnecessary words.

I immediately made a connection with playing the game of golf.  The fewer shots the better. 

Writing about golf is an entirely different matter.  I know; I tried.

Golf is a game; a good start, but hardly a sentence that conveys the infinite possibilities awaiting the golfer on the first tee. 

Golf is a game of infinite possibilities.

That’s better, but infinite possibilities will not open a door to economy with words. 

I put Stephen’s book back on the shelf to be read another day.

And what of the golfer on the first tee? 

At Parklands, a high percentage of shots will land forward of the tee, in a sweeping arc from Hensley Park Road to the clubhouse; a building wisely protected by a strategically placed barrier of tall pine posts and netting.

Within this arc lies a rarely used piece of real estate called a fairway.

Occasionally the arc will be breached by the intervention of a Parklands’ tree that may bunt the ball southwards towards North Boundary Road. 

Inevitably there will be occasions where the ball remains stationary on the tee after the golfer has executed what is colloquially called ‘an airy’.

Two hundred words in and we’ve just left the first tee, or not. 

The game continues amidst a cacophony of grunts, laughter, groans, unnecessary words, birdsong, and weird periods of silence.

Saturday

THE Monthly Medal hopefuls arrived in summer attire for Saturday’s medal event, as the mercury threatened to exceed 30 degrees celsius.

Steve Nattrass took out the honours for the second time this season, with a round characterised by strong driving and excellent putting, save an unwanted excursion into the horse paddock on the 17th. 

His score of 73 nett was three shots clear of Dale Grambau and Ron Oakley, with Grambau claiming victory in the stroke event on countback. 

Barry Elvery was next best with a nett score of 79. 

Nearest the pins went to Oakley on the 11th, George Donaldson on the 13th and Mitch Miller on the 15th. 

Longest putters were Donaldson on the first, Allan Flavell on the 17th and Elvery on the 18th.

Oakley landed the longest straight drive on the ninth, with Heather Wilkinson securing the birdies and ferrets draw.

Wednesday

IDEAL conditions welcomed competitors to freshly mown fairways for Wednesday’s 12-hole stableford event. 

Three players finished on 20 stableford points with Gaye Goggin taking the win on countback from Alex Walter and Donaldson.

Nearest the pin on the second was Les Pye and the longest putt on the first was won by Stewart Turner. 

Barry Oldaker won the birdies and ferrets draw.

Season wind-up

THE Parklands ladies held their annual end of season event on November 28, comprising a nine-hole stableford event followed by lunch. 

The winner of the golf event was Jenny Row.

Gifts were exchanged in lieu of prizes and retiring captain, Gaye Goggin, was thanked for her two years in the role.

Incoming captain, Sue Irvin, was welcomed into the position. 

Social golf will continue Mondays with competition events resuming on February 7.

Next week

ALL members and friends are invited to a free after game barbecue next Saturday.

To assist with catering a plate of salad would be appreciated and please advise George of your intended attendance by the Friday prior.

 Saturday’s golf event is a 4BBB.  Enter with a partner.